Milton Village Farmers Market

It is time once again for the Milton Lower Mills Farmers Market. Be sure to stop by Thursdays from 1 to 6 pm near the Milton Landing Wharf for fresh locally grown vegtables, fruits, homemade pies, and mango salsa.

Check out our blog entry from last year for a description: Milton Lower Mills Farmers Market

Early July - Mid October
Thursday 1 - 6 pm

Wharf St., Milton
Located in Milton Village (Across the river from Dorchester Lower Mills) off of Adams Street. Just south of the Milton T Stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley).

Dorchester Day Parade

On June 3rd, once again Dot celebrated Dorchester Day! It was first celebrated in 1904 to observe the incorporation of Dorchester as a town in 1630. Although Dorchester became part of the city of Boston in 1870, Dorchester Day and the Dorchester Day Parade has for over a hundred years celebrated the uniqueness of the neighborhood, inviting the city to come and enjoy the festivities. It has also become an annual event to lure those who grew up here, but have moved to the suburbs to come back and reminise.

The weather for the most part held out (although there were some sprinkles), while watching the parade that goes on for about 4 miles from Lower Mills up Dorchester Ave. to St. Margaret's. The parade really shows the diversity of Dorchester and all that makes Dorchester great. Some of the more notable groups include the Vietnamese Community of Massachusetts (with Dragons), Dorchester People for Peace, Dot Out, Dorchester Arts Collaborative, Irish step dancers, a Cape Verdean Youth Group, a Puero Rican Dance troop, the Estrellas Tropicales dancers, Dorchester Eagles Pop Warner Football, the Boy Scouts, and Caribbean group in masquerade, and of course Little Miss Dorchester and the symbolic Mayor of Dorchester.

Ashmont Hill Yard Sale

On June 2nd, over 40 houses in the Ashmont Hill area of Dorchester had their annual Yard Sale. It was great! We picked up some rugs for three dollars and a painting of San Francisco's Lombard Street for 25 cents. The streets were packed, as many people rummaged through all of the great used items. Luckily the rain held out!

The Great Dorchester Avenue Scavenger Hunt

Would you enjoy running around Dot Ave. on a scavenger hunt looking for items on a clue sheet at local resturants and merchants. What if we said the winning group gets $500? Now we have your attention!

On Saturday May 12th, St. Mark's Area Main Street is holding a scavenger hunt from Ashmont Station to Melville Ave. It starts at the Ashmont Grill at 1:30 p.m. for a 2 p.m. sendoff and ends at 4 p.m. at the new Tony McKernan's Centre Bar. Teams can be up to four people. Registration is $5. You can register at the door.

Easter Egg Hunt in Dot

You know it is springtime when the annual Easter Egg Hunt is happening at Dorchester Park. We arrived at 10 am on the dot and kids were already running all over the place grabbing eggs. There were definitely a couple hundred children with baskets, buckets, and canvas bags in hand filling them full with plastic eggs containing candy and other goodies! There was even a designated area for children under 5. After the hunt everyone gathered on the tennis courts and took turns taking pictures with the Easter Bunny. It was fun watching all the kids running around with huge smiles as they collected their eggs.

News: New Restaurants Opening in Lower Dot

There is word on the street (mainly from the Dorchester Reporter and a new sign Chris saw today when he got his hair cut at Adian's Barbershop) that some new restaurants are coming to Peabody Square and Lower Mills.

In Peabody Sqaure there appears to be several restuarant related developments says the Dorchester Reporter. First Chris Douglass (the owner of Ashmont Grill) is opening a new hip and casual pizza and pasta restaurant in the new Carruth building (a six story eco-friendly building currently being built and opening in early 2008) near the new Ashmont station. Douglass hopes to serves a simpler and less expensive menu than the Ashmont Grill. Second, the new Wainwright Bank opening in the Carruth is planning a café inside the bank, which should certainly add a needed place to stop for coffee. Finally, St. Mark’s Main Streets is working to get a new restaurant in the old location of the Tara Pub across the street, perhaps an ethnic restaurant, which is certainly missing from the square.

From the looks of it in Lower Mills there is a new restaurant called Mrs. Jones Soul Food opening soon on Dot Ave. next to Taste of Thailand. This would be awesome because we lack any soul food in the neighborhood! Keep your eyes on this one.

A Taste of Thailand

Don't be fooled by the plain exterior and the food served in to-go containers, you can still sit down and enjoy quality authentic Thai food at a very reasonable price. Of course they have take out, but we prefer to eat in. Erin loves the green curry and green peas and Chris likes the red curry and bamboo shoots.

tasteofthailand.blogspot.com
2257 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester
617.296.7505
Located in Lower Mills just south of the intersection of Dorchester Ave, and Richmond St. Just north of the Milton T stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley).

Have you been to A Taste of Thailand? Rate it below.

Snow Finally Comes to Dot...

Finally on St. Valentine's Day, Dorchester got its first real snow of 2007. It is pretty crazy that it took this long. Sadly it was coated with rain and as a result everything is made miserable by a half an inch of ice!

Coming Soon: Oscars on the Avenue

To raise money for grants to encourage business development in Peabody Square and the Ashmont neighborhood, St. Mark's Main Streets is hosting an Oscar party at the Ashmont Grill on Sunday, February 25th. It will include hors d'oeuvres and cocktails (the Dotini perhaps?), a red carpet, a Joan Rivers impersonator, and Dorchester's own Jeopardy champ Gerry Wagget hosting a movie quiz game. It is pricey ($75 in advance and $90 at the door), but will raise money for a worthy cause.

www.smams.org/oscars_on_the_avenue.php
St. Mark's Main Streets Oscars on the Avenue
Located at: The Ashmont Grill (555 Talbot Ave.) in Peabody Square at the intersection of Dorchester Ave, and Talbot Ave., near the Ashmont T stop.

Calling All Dot Residents... Help Tell Trader Joe's About Here!

How many of you wished we had a Trader Joe's in Lower Dot? Erin grew up in California where it seems like Trader Joe's are in every city. If you are not familiar with the store, it is a great and very resonably priced place to get natural and organic groceries. Here in the Boston area they tend to be located mostly in the suburbs (especially north and west, like Cambridge, Newton, and Needham), but we think one would do really great here, and be a popular addition to our neighborhood.

The Trader Joe's website has a contact web page for places that need new Trader Joe's and we were hoping people from our neighborhood would take a minute to fill out this form and show Trader Joe's this could be a great place to consider for a future store...

If you agree, please click here and let them know!
http://www.traderjoes.com/location_requests_form.aspx
And if you know others in the area who feel the same way please spread the word...

Streamline Antiques

Step back in time 50 years to sock hops and malt shakes or even further back to flappers and the roaring 20s... Streamline Antiques offers original items from Art Deco to the 50s from fiestaware to clocks and salt-and-pepper shakers. We visited a while back with our friend Becky and neeeded to leave so she wouldn't buy everything in the store. They also carry vintage clothing, jewelry, hand bags, pottery, and glass vases.

www.streamlineantiques.com
1168 Washington St., Dorchester
617.298.3326
Located in Lower Mills at the intersection of Dorchester Ave, and Washington St. Just north of the Milton T stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley).

Have you been to Streamline Antiques? Rate it below.

Dorchester Park

We love the feeling of walking through the woods right here in the middle of the city. One of Boston's hidden jewels is the urban forrest known as Dorchester Park. It is a great place to walk and contemplate on a cool fall evening. In the spring it is full of life and in the summer if you go at the right time you may catch an orchestra playing during the summer concert series or a ball game at the little league field that includes a replica of the famous Green Monster of Fenway Park. Hidden in the middle of all the trees are playgrounds and tennis courts. On any given day above 60 degrees you will find so many workers from the Carney Hospital enjoying their lunch or folks from the neighborhood reading their newspapers.

Peabody Square Tree Lighting

You know it is Christmas when they are lighting the city tree in Peabody Square! Many gathered at the intersection of Ashmont Street, Talbot Street, and Dot Ave. for the lighting of the tree. Santa and Mrs. Clause visited via a city tour trolley, and a quite happy man with a santa hat supplied music, hot chocolate, cookies, and was the MC of the event. Afterwards everyone from the neighborhood went to the firehouse across the street and Boston Fire supplied some tasty treats of chili, soda, and cake! It was a blast and a great community activity. We hope when they finish the Peabody Square revitalization they expand the area to host more events like this...

Common Ground Cafe

UPDATE: Common Ground Cafe is now closed. In its former location is now Sweet Life Bakery and Café. Please see our update post.

You have to try this place... It feels like you are eating sandwiches in a magical medieval village. It is dark with tables handmade out of whole trees and covered with a thatch roof. We think they serve some of the best sandwiches in Boston, and they are all made with homemade bread. Chris likes the turkey reuban sandwich with a cold ginger beer and Erin loves the tuna melt. The ingredients are always organic or natural, making the sandwiches extra delicious. You can also stop by their whole foods marketplace after eating to pick up organic and natural foods and products.

2243 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester
617.298.1020
Located in Lower Mills on Dorchester Ave, at the intersection of Richmond St. Just north of the Milton T stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley).

Have you been to Common Ground Cafe? Rate it below.

Dorchester Open Studios 2006

This year's Dorchester Open Studios was great! Although Open Studios was all over Dorchester, we only visited those in our neighborhood. Here is a run-down of this year's art.

Lower Mills: Walter Baker Artists Lofts
The diversity of art was fresh and exciting. There were painters, sculptors, a jewelry and clothing designer and more... an artist who draws with his feet, and another who worked with ceramics. The open lofts were inviting and art interesting, and it was such a treat to see inside the beautiful building. This should be a DEFINITE stop for anyone exploring Dorchester Open Studios next year.

Red Dot
This brand new art gallery showcased a variety of artists. The paintings were bright, colorful and thought provoking. If you haven't stopped by this gallery yet, make it a point to do so soon!

Dot Art
This community-based art group is housed in a small building on Dorchester Ave and also the Baker Lofts Building. Their featured artists were their youth and teen artists, which was impressive to see their talent. Courses for adults and youth are offered throughout the year. You can pick up a schedule at their building.

The Ice Creamsmith

Be sure to head to the Ice Creamsmith before it closes for the winter (It closes on Thanksgiving)! We love the homemade ice cream and small-town feel when you step into the Ice Creamsmith. We've tried a bunch of their flavors, and have yet to settle on a favorite... they've all been good! Although if we had to choose, Erin would take the pumpkin ice cream and Chris the banana!

www.theicecreamsmith.com
2295 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester
617.296.8567
Located in Lower Mills at the intersection of Dorchester Ave, and Washington St. Just north of the Milton T stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley).

Have you been to The Ice Creamsmith? Rate it below.

Coming Soon: Dorchester Open Studios

Featuring the works of over 80 artists who live and work in Dorchester! We will be checking Dorchester Open Studios out on October 21 and 22. See their website for the complete list of venues and directions. Three studios are located in Lower Dot: Dot Art (Dorchester Community Center for the Visual Arts) north of Peabody Square, Red Dot Gallery and Walter Baker Lofts, both in Lower Mills.

www.dorchesteropenstudios.org
Dorchester Open Studios
Located at: Red Dot Gallery and Walter Baker Lofts in Lower Mills at the intersection of Dorchester Ave, and Washington St. near the Milton T stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley) and Dot Art at 1775A Dorchester Avenue north of the Ashmont T stop.

Lower Dot is for Deval

From the signs and bumber stickers around our neighborhood it is apparent that Lower Dot is voting for Deval Patrick for governor in the Democratic Primary. Plus he is the only candidate with an office in Dorchester and he doesn't live too far away in the nearby town of Milton.

We will be taking our pilgrimage to Florian Hall in Dorchester to vote for him after we get out of work that day. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday September 19th!

www.devalpatrick.com

Flat Black Coffee Company (Coffee House)

We get our caffeine fix and help out the world when we buy a cup of coffee from Flat Black! Chris loves reading his paper there with a cappuccino or a Flat Black Freeze when it's hot out, and Erin likes to stick to her basic hot or iced coffees. Most of their selections are organically grown, shade grown, and fair trade. In addition to being socially and environmentally conscious, their drinks are great and the atmosphere hip and relaxed. The red swivel chairs are fun, and you're in luck when the window seats are open! The baked goods are tasty, as well.

www.flatblackcoffeecompany.com
1170 Washington St. Dorchester
617.298.1800
Located in Lower Mills at the intersection of Dorchester Ave, and Washington St. Just north of the Milton T stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley).

Have you been to Flat Black Coffee Company? Rate it below.

Dotini

We made Dotinis today! It was awesome. What is a Dotini you say? It is named after our beloved Dot (Dorchester) and is created by mixing citron vodka, Chambord, lemonade, and those "famous from your childhood" Dots candies. It has been made famous by both the Ashmont Grill and "Martinis on the Avenue", which is now an annual fund-raiser for the St. Mark's Main Streets (and Fields Corner Main Streets).

www.smams.org/dotini_party_06.php
Martinis on the Avenue @ The Blarney Stone (Tuesday 09.12.06)
1505 Dorchester Avenue. Dorchester
617.436.8223
Located in Fields Corner on Dorchester Ave. Just sorth of the Fields Corner T stop.

Farmers' Market (Milton Lower Mills Wharf)

There were about a dozen farm stands located along the Neponset River and near the Milton Landing Wharf. They had great fresh vegetables and fruits grown locally, fresh baked breads, salsa, homemade pies, maple syrup, potted plants and herbs, and even hand-made pottery, which make up this farmer's market. We stopped by the Re-Vision Urban Farm booth, where since 1990 their farm/homeless shelter has been growing vegtables off Blue Hills Ave. We have to say, our favorites were the Mango Salsa... mmmm! And Strawberry Rubarb Pie, fantastic!


Early July - Mid October
Thursday 1 - 6 pm

Wharf St., Milton
Located in Milton Village (Across the river from Dorchester Lower Mills) off of Adams Street. Just south of the Milton T Stop (Ashmont-Mattapan Trolley).

Have you been to the Milton Village Farmers Market? Rate it below.

Ashmont Grill

We love the Sunday brunch at the Ashmont Grill, although dinner is also excellent. It is one of our favorite restaurants in the entire city. This establishment in Lower Dot has a hip atmosphere with beautiful exposed brick walls and an amazing gourmet menu that highlights local and seasonal foods. The Huevos Rancheros is Erin's favorite brunch item and the portobello mushroom sandwich is her favorite for dinner (the soups are also really great). Chris loves the French Toast for brunch and the Grilled Free Range Chicken Breast with sweet corn polenta cake & grilled summer squash for dinner. We have yet to enjoy the garden patio seating in the back, but we can't wait to try it, along with exploring their extensive beer and wine selection at the bar.

www.ashmontgrill.com
555 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester
617.825.4300
Located in Peabody Square at the intersection of Dorchester Ave, Ashmont Street and Talbot Ave. Just north of the Ashmont T stop.

Have you been to the Ashmont Grill? Rate it below.

Our New Blog

Welcome to our new blog! We are going to post cool things to do, cool places to eat, and cool stores in this amazing neighborhood of Boston...

Check back here soon...